Student Exploration
STUDENT EXPLORATION
TWO NEW CCA PROGRAMS WILL BRING STUDENTS CLOSER TO THE PARK AS THEY
STUDY THE OCEAN, WILDLIFE AND THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE
CCA is known as a laboratory for high-quality STEM education programs. This fall, it formalized offerings for school groups as a way to better serve teachers’ needs and align with the next generation science standards that encompass science and engineering practices. The two new programs, which will serve high school students as well as fourth and fifth graders, are expected to finish the testing phase through winter, with a launch date set for spring 2015.
Over the summer, CCA worked with interns in the summer writing academy to develop these two citizen science school programs, which join the already popular Marine Protected Area Citizen Science Cruises that are expected to serve approximately 50 school groups in the coming year.
The first program, geared toward high school students, will take place at Cottage #22, the Park & Marine Research Facility, and focus on investigating the effects of ocean acidification on the local MPA. Participants will study plankton and add to the marine animal observation database to keep track of different animals on the ocean and on land.
The second program will be held at the Berns Environmental Study Loop and look at the park’s archaeology. Fourth and fifth graders will study plant-insect interactions and examine the effects of climate change on the restoration projects taking place there.
Teachers who are interested in a chance to hit the ground running with the testing phase are invited to contact education manager Sara Ludovise, as are parents who would like to submit their childrens’ schools for consideration for the program.
Please email Sara at sludovise@crystalcovealliance.org.